When I first set out for Taiwan, I imagined the change would be personal, new languages, new foods, new ways of seeing the world. What I didn’t fully appreciate was how travel, in our era, also demands a transformation in how we think about the planet itself. Living in Taiwan for a year and exploring its mountains, night markets, and coastal towns gave me more than memories; it forced me to confront my own footprint and ask what it means to move through the world responsibly.
Taiwan is a country where contrasts coexist: vibrant urban centres like Taipei humming with scooters and neon lights, and yet only a train ride away lie tea-covered hillsides and protected forests. I made a deliberate decision to avoid buying a motorbike, a common practice for many exchange students and instead relied on Taiwan’s excellent public transport and the very reliable YouBike system. Cycling not only reduced emissions but also allowed me to experience the island at a slower, more intimate pace.
I have travelled to China and Japan as a tourist, I used high-speed rail over domestic flights whenever possible, inspired by the UN Sustainable Development Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). Riding the Shinkansen in Japan was less carbon-intensive choice I made rather than air travel and an opportunity to witness how infrastructure can harmonise speed and sustainability. In Thailand, I avoided single-use plastics wherever I could, opting for a reusable water bottle and tote bag on day trips to markets and temples. These small choices may seem insignificant, but multiplied across millions of travellers, they make a difference.
I’ve also tried to be conscious about the cultural and ecological impact of my presence. Tourism can strain fragile ecosystems, so I prioritised eco-certified accommodations and locally owned guesthouses, aligning with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). In Chiang Mai, I chose a sanctuary that rehabilitates elephants instead of riding camps that exploit them; in Hualien, Taiwan, I joined a beach clean-up organised by local students. These experiences taught me that sustainability isn’t only about reducing harm it’s about actively contributing to the places that host you.
Looking forward, I am determined to deepen this commitment. I intend to offset the carbon footprint of my international placement by supporting environmental projects in Taiwan with the connections I have made there. I will continue to advocate for sustainable practices among peers: encouraging them to pack light, respect local waste management systems, and engage meaningfully with host communities.
Travel and sustainability are not incompatible; they are interdependent. If travel is about broadening horizons, then sustainable travel is about ensuring there are still horizons left to explore, for us, and for generations yet to come.
